Banff 
September in Alberta is a magical time: the sky opens up, the harvest season kicks off, and the world bursts into the golden yellows and reds of the season.
The Most Beautiful Art Tour in Alberta
If you’re in Alberta and looking to get out, get active, and appreciate the bounty of this province, this list will have you adventuring to your heart’s desire, all across the province.
Alberta Culture Days – Across Alberta
Alberta Culture Days takes place from September 1 to 30, 2026, and will feature hundreds of free, hands-on, interactive activities that invite the public to discover their inner artist, experience their heritage, and celebrate what it means to be Albertan.
Great Canadian Hike 2026
The Great Canadian Hike is a nationwide challenge to hike, bike, paddle or roll in support the Trans Canada Trail. Get active, log your progress and raise funds to help protect and maintain the world’s longest trail. Whether you go solo or start a team, every step counts towards our goal: 100,000 kilometres of collective trail use in 30 days.
Harvest Haus Calgary
Harvest Haus, a popular Vancouver event, arrives in Calgary with a lively mix of European harvest traditions and modern flair. Guests can enjoy seasonal flavours, Oktoberfest classics, and creations from international and local brewers, vintners, chefs, and entertainers. Known for its high-energy atmosphere, the festival promises great food, drinks, and fun with friends. September 25 to 26, 2026
The Most Beautiful Art Tour in Alberta – Foothills County
In the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, dotted along Highway 22 (the Cowboy Trail) and Highway 2A, there is a community of artists, craftspeople and galleries who celebrate creativity and support each other’s talents. You are invited to join in from September 18 to 19 and go for a tour of these galleries and private studios located in the stunningly beautiful foothills of southern Alberta!
Kaleido Family Arts Festival – Edmonton
Kaleido welcomes arts and cultural experiences with multi-arts collaborative performances such as music, dance, theatre, film, literary and visual arts, with performances on rooftops, sides of buildings, back alleys, parks and found spaces. September 18 to 20, 2026
Purple City Music Festival – Edmonton
Purple City 2026 will be the festival’s biggest edition yet, with more than 125 artists across nine stages and six venues from September 11 to 13, 2026. The festival’s eclectic programming and passion for independent music continue to create a one-of-a-kind festival experience that showcases the best talent from our own backyard, in addition to opening our ears to some incredible national and international acts.
Blues and Barbecue – Drumheller
Roots, Blues, and Barbecue returns to the Badlands Amphitheatre with a lineup of talented Canadian musicians, including Crystal Shawanda, Digging Roots, Blue Moon Marquee and Morgan Toney on September 12th.
Kinsmen Beer, Wine & Spirits Festival – Edmonton
Join the Kinsmen Club of Edmonton Clubhouse Field for a day of fun, food, drinks, and entertainment. Sample a variety of beverages from local breweries, wineries, and distilleries for $2! Meet fellow enthusiasts and enjoy live music and delicious food & drinks. September 5, 2026.
Savour Strathcona
Taste the best of Strathcona County on September 13th. The event features Strathcona County independent restaurants and food trucks that are encouraged to use local ingredients. Meet local artists/artisans who will have their creations on display and for sale. Enjoy entertainment and activities throughout the evening.
Oldstoberfest – Olds
Oldstoberfest, the world’s first Bavarian rodeo, returns to Olds, September 11–12, 2026. Blending prairie heritage with Bavarian flair, it features keg tapping, Oktoberfest games, rodeo action, and live concerts. Highlights include Queen Flash, Wynn Williams, and local bands. The festival boosts community spirit while showcasing Olds and Mountain View County.
Credit: Oldstoberfest
AsiaFest YEG
Get ready for a sensory journey packed with mouthwatering dishes, captivating performances, and cultural experiences like no other. With over 90 vendors, AsiaFest 2026 will showcase an even greater variety of flavours, crafts, and unique finds. September 25 to 27, 2026.
Edmonton Expo
Edmonton Expo is a three-day Comics, sci-fi, horror, anime, and gaming event that attracts tens of thousands of people at the Edmonton Expo Centre. September 18 to 20, 2026.
Chestermere Country Fair
Visit Chestermere Country Fair on September 12th and enjoy traditional fair activities including mutton bustin’, parade, Red Ribbon bench show, pancake breakfast, Harvest Market, kids zone, entertainment and more.
Saskatoon Farm Harvest Fest – Okotoks
Come enjoy a classic twist on a modern market this September 12 & 13. The Annual Saskatoon Farm Fair will give you a taste of all things harvest here in Southern Alberta. Come enjoy a weekend with your family, friends, and community filled with local vendors, food, live music, vegetables, kids games, tractor rides, animal pens, face painting, and many more festivities.
Calgary’s Traditional Oktoberfest Party
Experience an unforgettable evening as the Grey Eagle Event Centre is completely transformed into an authentic Bavarian Oktoberfest beerhall, bringing the spirit and traditions of Munich’s world-famous festival to Calgary. Enjoy live entertainment from the Brabec Brothers, authentic German cuisine, energetic dancing, and classic Oktoberfest games, including the fan-favourite Stein Holding Competition. September 18 & 19, 2026
Banff Ghost Walks
Credit: Banff Ghost Walks
Get ready for Halloween with a Ghost Walk. Spend a spooktacular evening unearthing ghastly ghosts, ghouls and mysterious events lurking in the shadows of Banff’s historic streets. Take a walk on the other side and explore Banff’s hidden history on a Banff ghost walk. From haunted hotels to ghost towns, Banff is full of things that go bump in the night.
Heritage Inn International Balloon Festival – High River
The Heritage Inn International Balloon Festival fills the sky with colour and joy every September. If you’re in High River, this festival is sure to give your day an extra element of magic. Running from September 23 to 27, you can either join in the fun and float into the sky, or just keep an eye out for the various shapes and colours of joyful balloons.
Bee’s Knee’s Enduro Mountain Bike Race
Bee’s Knee’s Enduro brings a weekend of fast mountain biking on September 12 & 13 at Pass Powderkeg Ski Area. Saturday puts U12 and U15 riders on a shorter course, while Sunday expands to youth, open, masters and e-bike categories. Spectators can watch from designated areas as riders tackle technical descents and big mountain terrain.
Chore Horse Competition
Watch ranching history come to life at the Bar U Ranch Chore Horse Competition on September 13. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., skilled horses and handlers tackle traditional ranch tasks and obstacles that once shaped daily life in the Canadian West. The event is included with regular admission or a Discovery Pass.
Canmore Festival of Art and Creativity
The Canmore Festival of Art and Creativity returns September 18 to 20 for three days of free Alberta Culture Days programming. You can catch live music and performances, join art workshops, watch demonstrations, take part in hands-on activities, see films, gather around community campfires and browse outdoor markets, all while celebrating art, culture and creativity in Canmore.
Castle Alpine Trail Race
The Castle Alpine Trail Race returns Saturday, September 19, challenging runners with rugged single track, off-trail sections, steep climbs and sweeping mountain views around Castle Mountain Resort. The course crosses two summits and an alpine valley, with each leg starting and ending at the resort. September conditions can swing from heat to snow and biting wind, so runners should come prepared.
Hard Luck Canyon – Whitecourt
A visit to Hard Luck Canyon is a perfect day trip from Edmonton. The canyon features 20-metre sandstone cliffs lining a small stream running into the McLeod River. Enjoy the sight of Hard Luck Falls tumbling down the cliffs during the high run-off season. Go down the stairs running down to the bottom of the canyon, hike the trails and enjoy a picnic in the woods.
Enjoy a Steak Dinner at Longview Steakhouse
Alberta beef is already famous for being the best, but if it weren’t, this steakhouse would make it great. Using local ingredients and well-known for the great service, it is a great place to make a trip to. We recommend making a reservation, as this is a popular place for both locals and tourists.
Waterfall Hunting in Southwest Alberta
Southwestern Alberta is filled with hundreds of natural hidden gems. Some of the natural areas are best enjoyed according to the season. These adventures to waterfalls will grant you access to a ton of other incredible Alberta scenery with hikes through forests, over creeks and rivers, or up mountains.
The Calgary International Film Festival
Although Calgary’s International Film Festival began as a six-day event attended by 8,000 people, the event quickly gained momentum as Calgary’s arts and culture scene boomed. The Calgary International Film Festival will occur from September 24 to October 4, featuring stand-out stories and once-in-a-lifetime experiences in the cinema.
The Kraay Family Farm and Corn Maze – Lacombe
The Kraay Family Farm and Corn Maze is chock full of activities that you can spend a whole day (if not multiple) enjoying with the family. From the Grain Train to the Pumpkin Cannon to pig races to jumping pillows, this is undoubtedly the place to be come harvest season.
CulinArt – Sylvan Lake
Lake Agnes Tea House in Lake Louise
Lake Agnes Tea House has been rated one of the top restaurants in Lake Louise, though it’s not as easy to get to as some. Described as “worth the climb”, this Tea House is at the top of a 2.25-mile hike with a 400-metre elevation gain — but the views from the top are as splendid as the food. Soups, baked goods, and a plethora of treats await you, though keep in mind that this tea room is cash only.
Strathearn Art Walk – Edmonton
This annual celebration of the arts strives to bring out the best in Edmonton by bringing people together to celebrate emerging and professional art and music, all with the scenic backdrop of our beautiful river valley and city skyline. September 11 to 13, 2026.
Harvest Moon Festival – Grimshaw
The Harvest Moon Festival in Grimshaw on September 11 & 12 offers a weekend of free family activities, from bouncy castles and a car show to food trucks, markets, and contests. As night falls, Main Street transforms with lights, music, and dancing, bringing residents and visitors together to celebrate community spirit and the arrival of fall.
Enjoy the Night Sky at Lakeland
See shooting stars & northern lights! Enjoy a night out at Lakeland Prov. Rec. Area. Details
Alberta Star Party
Join for the annual Alberta Star Party from September 11 to 13. Get together with other astronomers at a camping event where you can enjoy speakers during the day and the sky during the night.
Fall & Harvest Festivals in September
These harvest or fall season festivals in Alberta all have their way of making the most of the end of summer, and can each be a fun way for all ages to enjoy it all: the harvesting, the pumpkins, the cozy bonfires, and the changing colours in the countryside.
- South Peace Centennial Museum Harvest Festival
- Penhold Annual Fall Festival
- Bonnyville Fall Fair
- Glendon Pyrogy Festival
Traverse Iron Horse Trail
Credit: Iron Horse Trail
Explore northeastern Alberta on Iron Horse Trail and see wild horses, moose and other wild animals as you enjoy the crisp, cool air of autumn as you hike or zoom on an ATV. Iron Horse Trail traverses 300 km of Alberta countryside from Smoky Lake to Heinsburg to Cold Lake.
Fort McMurray Marathon
Explore FortMcMurray on a Marathon run on September 20. The Fort McMurray Marathon has 6 different race lengths – Full Marathon (42.2km), Half Marathon (21.1km), 10km, 5km, 3km and Kid’s Fun Run.
The Larch Hikes – Banff
Larch Valley is routinely acclaimed as one of the best hikes in Alberta during the fall. Take advantage of any pre-snow September days and come up to see the glorious colours that unfold across the province. The foliage views here will take your breath away. You can stay on the trail as long as you need before turning back, but the full 12 kilometres take about 7 hours to complete.
Halloweekends – Calgary
Celebrate Halloween early and enjoy a trip to Calaway Park for the annual Halloweekends. Dress up as your favourite character and enjoy tricks and treats and spook-tacular rides. There will be face painting, a scavenger hunt, fun family photo opportunities and more!
Night Light – Calgary
Credit: Big Art
Night Light is a three-night festival from September 24 to 26, in Victoria Park that transforms public spaces with projection-mapped architecture, light installations, music, and performances. Timed with the autumn equinox, it celebrates longer nights while showcasing emerging local artists. By blending art and illumination, Night Light invites audiences to discover wonder, creativity, and new perspectives in the dark.
Spruce Meadows Masters
Spruce Meadows’ ‘Masters’ brings the world’s best show jumping athletes and horses to Calgary from September 9 to 13. Set against the Canadian Rockies, the tournament unfolds on the venue’s famous grass fields, combining elite competition with a strong sense of tradition. Between events, you can wander the landscaped grounds and take in one of Spruce Meadows’ most celebrated international sporting weekends.
Cross Blackshale Suspension Bridge
The Blackshale Suspension Bridge in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park offers a picturesque hiking experience suitable for all ages. The bridge spans a large canyon offering breathtaking views of the surrounding forest and the creek below. Nearby, the Peninsula Day Use area offers scenic vistas of the Lower Kananaskis Lake and picnic facilities, enhancing the outing with a perfect spot for relaxation and enjoyment.
MacKay’s Ice Cream in Cochrane
Located in historic downtown Cochrane is the famous MacKay’s Ice Cream. People from all over Alberta travel to get a taste of the homemade ice cream made in unique flavours, including the Jolly Rancher flavour, Keso, and Haskap Berry. The lines through the summer tend to be long but quiet down a little once September rolls around. This is the perfect time to get that last cone in before winter.
Lake Newell Marsh & Nature Trails – Newell County
Take in this ecologically diverse area by visiting the Lake Newell Marsh and Nature Trails. Birdwatchers will appreciate the wide variety of bird species, along with other wildlife. Try and visit during the fall migrations for a unique birding experience. Cyclists and hikers will love the trails along the marsh as well.
Little Bow Provincial Park – Vulcan
Plan a trip to Little Bow Provincial Park, a perfect place to stop and camp on your Southern Alberta adventure. Located near the quaint town of Vulcan, this park has a beach and a breezy reservoir for sailing and windsurfing. Visitors can also enjoy the shaded paths through the campground and try to catch a glimpse of the rare peregrine falcon, known to nest along the reservoir’s shoreline.
Beehive Natural Area
Enjoy this amazing area surrounding Beehive Mountain. Day use is currently permitted and there’s a lot of amazing creatures to keep an eye out for while you hike. Birding, fishing, and wildlife spotting are all common in the Beehive Natural Area.
Romantic Getaway to David Thomson Country
If you are a fan of fall, then a getaway to David Thomson Country is an ideal romantic getaway. Whether you want to get away from it all and just relax, go on a romantic adventure for two, or combine a mixture of relaxation and adventure, you will find what you are looking for in David Thompson Country.
J.J. Collett Natural Area – Lacombe
Spot a variety of bird species and animals like coyotes and porcupines when hiking through the 635 acres of aspen and spruce forest, meadows and sand dunes that constitute JJ Collett Natural area.
U of A History and Haunted Walking Tour – Edmonton
A little education can be a ghastly business! The University of Alberta, a center for academics and higher learning, has more than its fair share of ghosts, urban legends, and unexplained events. Explore the history of the University of Alberta, how it began and the many important historical figures with Edmonton Ghost Tours.
Twilight Picnic Experience – Spruce Grove
This picnic experience for two includes a gourmet picnic box and exclusive admission to the University of Alberta Botanic Garden in Spruce Grove in the beautiful evening hours. Stroll through the peaceful grounds as the frogs begin to sing, the sun sets over the bridge in the Kurimoto Japanese Garden, and lights reflect on the fountains in the Aga Khan Garden. We are limiting access to 30 picnic parties per evening, so it will feel almost as if you have the Garden to yourself!
Fall Hikes
Alberta has sweeping prairies, rising mountain peaks, rocky terrain, and boreal forests. It’s breathtaking at any time of year, but autumn is when Alberta really comes alive with vibrant colours, crisp mountain air, and stunning sunsets across fields of wheat. Satisfy your wanderlust with any one of these classic hikes and multi-day treks.
Drive Cowboy Trail
The Cowboy Trail (Highway 22) is a famous driving route in Alberta that takes you from the town of Mayerthorpe (90 minutes from Edmonton), south to Lundbreck, or vice versa. The entire route is 584 kilometres one way. Visit a section of the highway each weekend in September and truly discover Alberta.
Banff Horseback Riding Adventure
Go back to a simpler time with a 2-hour horseback ride and experience the park at a relaxed pace. Led by your cowboy guide, saddle up and get a feel for what it was like for pioneers first settling in this once-wild area. You’ll explore stunning sections of wilderness on this two-hour trip, providing a chance to spot wildlife that you might not get to see while on foot.
Discover Murals of Lloydminster
Take in the sights of Lloydminster’s many creative murals. Ranging from the depiction of the Barr Colonists’ journey to the creative spirit that happens when colour, shape, and whimsy merge, there are plenty to keep you inspired.
Take a Guided Tour of Medalta – Medicine Hat
Medalta is not your typical museum. It is an innovative industrial museum, a contemporary ceramic arts facility, an art gallery, and a community hub in Medicine Hat. The artwork displayed is from both the past and present, and much of it was even made right there at the museum. Enter Medalta’s iconic beehive kilns and explore our nationally recognized archaeological excavations.
Bergen Rocks International Sculpture Park – Sundre
Explore Bergen Rocks International Sculpture Park in Sundre. This sculpture park is where one man with a vision has brought together artists and art from around the world, including Vietnam, Germany, Thailand, India, China, Turkey, Korea, Mongolia, Iran, Ireland, Kenya, Cuba, Italy, and Canada.
Grey Owl Meadery- Alder Flats
Nestled in the rolling foothills, this is the perfect spot to taste some wine. The wine here is made from honey extracted on site from hives in the Alder Flats and Buck Lake area. Serving charcuterie boards, mead by the glass, and gourmet coffee, you can enjoy the vistas from the patio and learn more about the unique history of mead. There is also an on-site gift shop that carries products made from beeswax and honey.
Beauvais Lake Provincial Park
Hike a network of multi-use trails that caters to both hikers and bikers at Beauvais Lake Provincial Park, showcasing historic homesteads, beaver ponds, and dense forests. Hiking trails, including the challenging Mount Albert Backcountry Loop and scenic Homestead Loop, provide immersive nature experiences with stunning viewpoints.
Waterton Wildlife
Credit: Stephen Harrington/Parks Canada
Waterton holds immense wildlife diversity. At just over 505 sq. kilometres, Waterton Lakes National Park has more wildlife diversity than any other national park in Canada. It is very rare not to see some sort of wildlife in Waterton, whether a white-tailed deer, bighorn sheep, or black bear. Visit the National Park to learn all about the animals living in the Rocky Mountains and the prairies.
Explore Figure Eight Lake
The Figure Eight Lake Provincial Recreation Area is one of the smaller natural areas, but it offers plenty of activities for a day trip or camping trip. Figure Eight Lake is nestled in dense forest but is also close to the highway. The surrounding forest makes this an exceptionally beautiful camping location during the fall colour change.
Enjoy the Stunning Scenery of Sulphur Gates
The Sulphur Gates Provincial Recreational Area borders the northern side of the Willmore Wilderness Park in a secluded area overlooking the Smoky River. If you are unaware of what awaits at the top of the road and in Sulphur Gates Park, the views create an incredible surprise.
Hike the Homestead
Beauvais Lake is surrounded by hiking opportunities of all kinds: short, easy trails; long, challenging routes; and everything in between. The Homestead Loop is 4.3km in total and takes you past a variety of scenery. The sights include historic homesteads, beaver ponds, and forest. From these ponds, you will have an abundance of wildlife to watch out for on your hike.
